نهمین کنگره نقشه برداری مغز

نمایش مقاله

Title:

The Mirror Neuron System in Light of Advanced Neuroimaging: Network Evidence and Clinical Implications

Subject:

Clinical Applications of Brain Mappin

Presenter Author:
Name:	Faeze Moradi

Author:
Name 1:	Faeze Moradi - Presenter
Affiliation 1:	Phd of Cognitive Neuroscience.Neuroscience Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences

Name 2:	Seyed Behnamodin Jameie - Corresponding
Affiliation 2:	Professor of Anatomical Sciences Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine Neuroscience Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences

Name 3:	Bijan Forogh
Affiliation 3:	Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

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Abstract

Original Research

introduction :

The mirror neuron system (MNS) represents a core neural framework underlying perception–action coupling, social cognition, and embodied representations. Initially identified through single-cell recordings in non-human primates, subsequent advances in non-invasive neuroimaging have enabled systematic investigation of this system in humans. Contemporary evidence suggests that the MNS operates as a distributed frontoparietal network rather than a localized motor mechanism. Given its involvement in action understanding, empathy, and motor learning, increasing attention has been directed toward its translational relevance in clinical neurology. Disruptions in perception–action integration and social cognitive processing are prominent features of several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, frontoparietal stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia. Understanding MNS-related network alterations may therefore provide novel insights into diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention.

Methods:

This work is based on a narrative-analytical review of human neuroimaging studies investigating the mirror neuron system. The reviewed literature primarily employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), diffusion-based imaging, and functional and structural connectivity analyses. Advanced analytical approaches such as multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA), representational similarity analysis, and network-based modeling were included. Studies were selected if they examined neural overlap between action execution, observation, and motor imagery; assessed the temporal dynamics of mirror-related activity; investigated MNS alterations in clinical populations; or evaluated modulation of the MNS through behavioral or neuromodulatory interventions.

Results:

Across fMRI studies, consistent activation was observed within a frontoparietal network comprising the inferior frontal gyrus, ventral premotor cortex, and inferior parietal lobule during action execution, observation, and imagery. Multivariate analyses demonstrated shared representational content across these conditions, supporting the presence of common neural coding mechanisms. EEG and MEG studies revealed early engagement of the MNS during sensorimotor integration, as indexed by mu rhythm suppression over central and frontoparietal regions. Notably, this suppression extended beyond motor stimuli to socially and emotionally salient cues, indicating involvement of the MNS in early, largely automatic social processing. Connectivity-based findings indicated that clinical alterations of the MNS are better characterized by disrupted network integration rather than focal hypoactivation. Reduced connectivity between mirror regions and prefrontal or limbic networks was reported across multiple clinical conditions.

Conclusion:

Collectively, these findings support a network-based model of the mirror neuron system as a dynamic and integrative neural architecture. Rather than reflecting a simple motor matching mechanism, the MNS contributes to broader processes linking perception, action, emotion, and social understanding. From a clinical perspective, MNS-related activity and connectivity patterns hold promise as functional biomarkers for disorders involving social cognition and motor learning deficits. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches based on action observation, imitation, and motor imagery—particularly when combined with non-invasive brain stimulation—may effectively modulate MNS-related networks and enhance neuroplasticity. In summary, the mirror neuron system constitutes a measurable, modifiable, and clinically relevant neural network, offering significant potential for translational research and application in clinical neurology.

Keywords:

mirror neuron system , fMRI, EEG, MS